An investigation into the design of nutrition care facilities in Uganda.

Abstract

With 15% of child mortality linked to undernutrition and 54% of adults stunted due to childhood malnutrition, the human cost of this issue is immense, according to UNICEF.

The economic burden is equally significant. The 2012 study reveals that undernutrition costs the Ugandan government a staggering 1.8 trillion UGX annually, representing 5.6% of its GDP. This includes not only the direct healthcare costs associated with treating undernutrition and related illnesses (estimated at over 525 billion UGX), but also the indirect costs in terms of reduced productivity and educational attainment.

This cycle of poverty perpetuated by malnutrition creates a complex challenge. Families struggling with undernutrition face increased healthcare expenses, hindering their ability to invest in education and income-generating activities. This, in turn, perpetuates the cycle of poverty and malnutrition.

This research there aims to asses the design standards of the existing facilities in Uganda. The research took a case study of the Mwana Mugimu Nutrition Facility in Mulago hospital Kampala. To make the above assessment, the researcher based on concepts that include; child psychology, spatial quality, spatial function, and eating environments.

The researcher employed a mixed-methods approach i.e. qualitative and quantitative methods e.g., using interviews, observation, photography, field sketching, and facility measurements.

The field study's findings, upon analysis and discussion, unveiled a concerning disregard for the needs of the users within these facilities and recommendations for an appropriate design were made.